Professional Master of Social Work
A two-year full-time programme leading to professional social work qualification and registration with CORU.
Best for:Best for graduates with a background in social policy, social work, or related fields who have at least 250 hours of relevant work experience and are passionate about social justice and community welfare.
Overview
The Professional Master of Social Work at University College Dublin is a two-year, full-time programme designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to become professionally qualified social workers. Approved by the Social Workers Registration Board at CORU, this programme combines academic study with practical experience to prepare graduates for careers in social care, healthcare, criminal justice, and advocacy. Applicants must demonstrate both academic excellence and relevant work experience, ensuring they are well-prepared to address societal challenges and promote social justice. The programme emphasizes hands-on learning, including placements and group interviews, to foster practical competence and ethical practice in social work.
What you'll do
- Complete a two-year full-time programme combining academic coursework and practical placements in social care settings.
- Engage in direct interaction with service users, including adults, children, and vulnerable groups, under professional supervision.
- Participate in group interviews and written reflections to assess readiness for professional practice.
- Develop skills in social policy analysis, advocacy, and intervention strategies to address societal challenges.
- Contribute to research and practice-based learning in social work, focusing on evidence-based interventions.
- Prepare for registration with CORU as a professionally qualified social worker upon successful completion of the programme.
Requirements
Degree required: A primary degree (Level 8) equivalent to a Second Class Honours Grade II (GPA 2.48 for UCD degrees) in one of the following: BSocSc degree with a major in Social Policy, BSocial Work, or another undergraduate degree with a major component in Social Policy or related subjects. Alternatively, a Level 8 Higher Diploma in Social Policy with Second Class Honours or a Level 9 Master’s in a relevant discipline may be considered.
Degree offered: Professional Master of Social Work
Language: English; IELTS score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each band, or equivalent proficiency on other recognized tests.
Instruction: English
- At least 250 hours of relevant paid or voluntary work experience by the time of application, with a total of 420 hours required by the programme’s start date.
- Experience involving direct contact with service users and access to supervision in social care, healthcare, or advocacy settings.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English for academic and professional communication.
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to social justice and community welfare through practical experience.
- Applicants must meet the academic requirements of a Second Class Honours Grade II (or equivalent GPA) in their primary degree.
- Domestic (EEA) and international (non-EU) applicants are eligible to apply.
- Current students in their final year of a relevant degree may apply if they meet the work experience requirements and are expected to achieve the required academic standard.
- No age restrictions, but applicants must meet the work experience criteria.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
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- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: Rolling (interviews typically held in February of the year before programme commencement) · open until filled
Applicants must submit an online application through the university’s portal, including academic transcripts, a CV, a written reflection piece, and details of relevant work experience. Shortlisting for interviews is based on academic results and work experience. Interviews are conducted in February of the year preceding programme commencement.
- CV
- Academic transcripts (Level 8 primary degree)
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
- Details of 250+ hours of relevant work experience (to be submitted via an online form)
- Written reflection piece on group interview participation
- Evidence of disability or specific learning difficulty (if accommodations are required)
Contact
Admissions Administrator· Social Work Programme Admissions
https://www.ucd.ie/schoolsocpol/socialwork/programmes/professionalmastersinsocialwork/
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